Meet the Pillars: Sandra Olson-Loy and Shana Warkentine Meyer

May 5, 2020

Each year, the NASPA Foundation recognizes a series of distinguished individuals who have served as leaders, teachers, and scholars in student affairs and higher education. The Pillar of the Profession Award honors members of the profession who have provided significant service to NASPA through regional and/or national leadership role, created a lasting impact on the institutions and organizations at which they have worked, leaving a legacy of extraordinary service recognized by a cross-section of stakeholders, and demonstrated sustained, lifetime professional distinction in the field of student affairs and/or higher education. Each individual is nominated and supported for designation as a Pillar by colleagues, students, friends, or others who find them deserving of this honor.

“Sandy Olson-Loy has played an instrumental and leadership role in the growth and development of NASPA’s Small Colleges and Universities Division, and as a long time trusted and respected colleague at the University of Minnesota Morris. Her ability to critically analyze and respond to difficult issues including tragic student incidents with compassion, wisdom and deep personal insights has made her one of the “go to” colleagues when a fellow small college needs advice, support or encouragement.”

– William J. Flanagan, Executive Advisor to the President-Emeritus, Beloit College

“Shana not only has a strong reputation for getting things done, she is a thoughtful leader who is unafraid to engage in advocacy for the profession, for the students, and especially for those who have been historically marginalized, minoritized, silenced, and left out.”

– John L. Hoffman, Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, University of Minnesota

If selected as a Pillar, the nominator and an assigned Foundation Board member will raise $3,500 in the name of the individual being nominated to further research and scholarship in student affairs. If you are in a position to consider, a gift to the NASPA Foundation in honor of a 2020 Pillar of the Profession will empower new outreach and expanded opportunities to support the field as we navigate unprecedented times in higher ed.